Budget Bulletin: Schools

Public-School Funding

Education is a clear priority for Nova Scotians.

Recognizing the importance of a high-quality education for our children, government is increasing funding to school boards in 2001–02 by $13 million -- a two per cent increase.

In addition to direct funding to school boards, approximately $1.2 million in funding for the Department of Education has been earmarked to support a number of new public-school initiatives, including: expanding the successful Active Young Readers program to continue promoting reading skills and testing; piloting a Canadian history course in both English and French; continuing support for racial-equity initiatives; and ensuring a safe learning environment for students and teachers through a safe- schools initiative.

In 2001–02, seven new schools will be completed, and construction will begin on four more as part of the government’s announced commitment to construct 17 new schools through 2004.

With this budget, the government continues to make an investment in education at the same time that student enrolment is declining. Verified enrolment numbers (as of Sept. 30, 2000) show a drop of 2,279 students -- a 1.45 per cent decrease -- while funding to school boards is increasing by 2.1 per cent. It is projected that enrolment levels will have continued to decline by another 2,000-plus students when numbers are verified at the end of the current school year.

In addition, on a provincial basis, the student-to-teacher ratio is projected to improve slightly from the current average of 16:1.